Chromium picolinate
Chromium picolinate is a complex of trivalent chromium with three picolinic acid molecules. It is made by reacting a chromium(III) salt, usually chromium chloride, with picolinic acid in water, then filtering and drying the red-violet crystalline product, which is about 12% chromium. Because chromium is dosed in micrograms, brands commonly buy it as a dilute trituration or premix for tablets, capsules and drink mixes.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Fine red-violet powder for premix makers, with chromium content stated on the specification.
Chromium picolinate diluted on dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose or maltodextrin to a stated chromium level for even dosing.
Patented or trademarked chromium picolinate sold with its own specification and documentation.
Custom blends containing chromium picolinate with other trace minerals.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store chromium picolinate in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and oxidizing agents. Triturations need the same protection from moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and chromium content is retested on aged stock.
Record the chromium assay, dilution strength and hexavalent chromium result for each lot, and double-check dosing math between pure and diluted grades. Keep supplier documentation for branded material on file.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists chromium (III) picolinate among the source ingredients for chromium (Table 2).
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same Health Canada monograph requires, for chromium sourced from chromium picolinate at all doses, a contraindication statement for pregnancy and breastfeeding and a statement on use beyond 6 months.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for chromium at 35 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Saddle Brook, NJ
Sells it as Chromax
New Jersey branded-ingredient company, formerly Nutrition 21. Its portfolio includes chromium picolinate, zinc picolinate and an annatto tocotrienol for supplement, food and beverage brands.
Manufacturer · Bengaluru, India
Indian maker of pharmaceutical ingredients and mineral salts, with plants in Hosur. Its mineral range covers calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium salts and amino acid chelates.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include pure chromium picolinate, triturations, branded grades and mineral premixes. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect chromium assay, identity and picolinate content, hexavalent chromium, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology and content uniformity, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store chromium picolinate in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and oxidizing agents. Triturations need the same protection from moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and chromium content is retested on aged stock.
Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists chromium (III) picolinate among the source ingredients for chromium (Table 2). The same Health Canada monograph requires, for chromium sourced from chromium picolinate at all doses, a contraindication statement for pregnancy and breastfeeding and a statement on use beyond 6 months. 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for chromium at 35 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older.
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